Take Your Vitamins! (Even in Your Implants)

 

We all know that vitamins are good for your body. But did you know that vitamins can even make orthopedic implants last longer? Artificial joints are incredibly well-made and can last a very long time — often more than 30 years. However, like any mechanical part, they can start to wear out over time. Usually, the plastic liner in the joint is the weak link. This plastic is typically made of cross-linked polyethylene, a material similar to what kitchen cutting boards are made from. The exciting news is that implant companies are now creating a new type of plastic that could last even longer!

A recent article in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery highlights how vitamin E is being used to make better plastics for shoulder implants. The study tested a new type of polyethylene that has vitamin E added to it and compared it to the standard type of plastic. Scientists put these materials through intense wear simulations — kind of like putting them on a treadmill to see how long they would last. The results were impressive: the vitamin E-enhanced plastic showed much less wear than the regular plastic.

So, why does vitamin E make a difference? When plastic is exposed to wear and tear, it can release tiny particles that may irritate the bone and cause problems like loosening of the implant. Vitamin E acts like a shield, reducing the breakdown of the plastic and lowering the risk of these issues. This means the new plastic could help joint replacements stay in great shape for even longer.

While we still need more long-term studies to see how these implants perform in real people over decades, the early results are very promising. Many companies are already starting to include vitamin E-enhanced plastics in their implants, giving surgeons and patients more options to choose from. This is an exciting step forward in improving a procedure that has already changed so many lives for the better.
If you’re considering shoulder replacement surgery, we’d love to help guide you through your options, including the latest advancements in materials like vitamin E-enhanced polyethylene.  At Sohn Orthopaedics, we’re committed to bringing you the most up-to-date, personalized care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help keep you active and pain-free for years to come!

Gene Therapy for Arthritis: Reality or a Long Shot?

 
I’m an orthopedic surgeon, so I always try to stay on top of the latest technologies and techniques for shoulder and arm surgery. However, every now and then, I come across something truly revolutionary that could change how we treat arthritis and possibly make some surgeries unnecessary. Every year, millions of Americans undergo surgery to relieve arthritis pain. But a recent article in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shows exciting progress in gene therapy for joint arthritis.

Gene therapy sounds like science fiction, but it’s very real. It has already been used to cure certain cancers and other chronic diseases.  Now, researchers are finding ways to use a patient’s own cells to produce proteins that fight arthritis right inside the joint. Instead of taking pills or injections that work for only a short time, this method could provide relief that lasts for years or even permanently. Scientists are testing this by injecting a type of DNA carrier, called a “gene vector,” directly into the affected joint. This teaches the joint’s cells to make helpful proteins that reduce inflammation and protect the cartilage.

This breakthrough has already gone through early clinical trials, and the results are promising. Patients with arthritis in their knees reported less pain and better function after receiving the treatment. Because this therapy works locally, it doesn’t carry the same risks of side effects as medications that affect the whole body. If further trials go well, this could become a new option for people who want to delay or avoid surgery.

While it’s too early to know if this will become a standard treatment, the research is a big step forward. For those struggling with arthritis, gene therapy might offer hope for long-term relief. As a surgeon, I love being able to help people through procedures, but innovations like these remind me that the future of medicine could be as much about science as it is about surgery. Keep an eye on this space—it’s changing quickly!